Shows
Higgledy Piggledy History HotchpodS2 Bonus Episode!By way of a taster for S3 we hope you enjoy another slightly different edition of the podcast.It was recorded—as you'll be able to tell—earlier in the year, but life kept getting in the way of the edit. We're now hard at work on S3 but we do have some spaces left to fill, so if there's anything you'd like to hear us waffle on about, please give us a shout with your suggestions and requests.2021-10-0540 min
Higgledy Piggledy History HotchpodS2 E10 Genghis KhanMagnificent forger of empires or mad as a badger and armed to the teeth?
And we reach the end of our second season with a look at one of the most requested historical figures, the great Khan. You sick lot. Questions of his levels of sadism compared to contemporaries, his inability to keep his trousers on and the logical conclusion to his funeral cortege are all here. Warning: contains pronunciation that’s ropey even by our standards.2021-04-0544 minHiggledy Piggledy History HotchpodS1 E9 Spartan WomenRadical feminists of Ancient Greece or bossy troublemakers?
Nearing the end of Women’s History Month, we look at the women of ancient Sparta, famous for having more freedom and rights than women elsewhere in the Greek world. Often seen as promiscuous and domineering by contemporaries outside of Sparta, the ladies of Lacedaemon enjoyed academic and physical education, could pursue their own interests, and married later than the counterparts in other city-states. They also took multiple sexual partners all in the interests of producing more healthy warriors for the formidable Spartan military. Warning: contains audible chuckling at th...2021-03-2941 minHiggledy Piggledy History HotchpodS2 E8 Æthelflæd, Lady of the MerciansPosh southern bird on a Midlands jolly or the best queen the English never had?
We’re celebrating Women's History Month with a discussion of one of the most important individuals in English history. Eldest daughter of King Alfred the Great of Wessex and descended from Mercian royalty, Æthelflæd came to rule Mercia in her own right following the death of her husband, Æthelred. Working alongside her brother King Edward the Elder, Æthelflæd staved off Viking attacks and conquered new territory for the inchoate English kingdom. Often overlooked in favour of her male kin, we explore...2021-03-2237 minHiggledy Piggledy History HotchpodS2 E7 The Peaky BlindersSartorially sensational social warriors or jut a bunch of Brummie bandits?
We’re keeping it local this week as we take a look at the real life urban street gangs in Birmingham who were the inspiration for TV’s Peaky Blinders. Cue much debate about accents and parents with a criminal past, coupled with a staggering lack of geographical knowledge about the city around which we we both grew up. Warning: contains the words "gooin", "yowm" and "blindin"; so no change there then.2021-03-1531 minHiggledy Piggledy History HotchpodS2 E6 The White Ship DisasterBooze cruise gone wrong or the sinking that screwed the English succession?
In late November 1120, the White Ship sank in the English Channel. Among the dead was King Henry I’s only legitimate son, and heir to the English throne, William Ætheling. Come aboard for a tale involving drunken sailors, an oblivious bishop, some pissed-off priests, Zippy from Rainbow, and an ultimately life-saving bout of diarrhoea.
Warning: The Bayeux Tapestry gets mentioned again, and good luck distinguishing all the people named Matilda and William.2021-03-0845 minHiggledy Piggledy History HotchpodS2 E5 Shackleton and The Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition 1914–17Piss-poor planning and preparation or the greatest polar journey ever made?
Journey with us to the far southern latitudes as we attempt the first human crossing of the Antarctic with Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew, who displayed remarkable courage and resilience when things went wrong. Rattle engages in some unashamed hero-worship while Darth questions the sanity of all those involved during our discussion of the heroic age of polar exploration. Warning: contains a frank admission of not understanding just how cold the Antarctic is.2021-03-0141 minHiggledy Piggledy History HotchpodS2 E4 Matthew Hopkins, Witchfinder GeneralGod’s right hand or ultraviolent reducer of pension liability?
We’re back to our usual duo this week as we tackle one of history’s darkest characters with our look at Matthew Hopkins. With long grey hair, withered hands and a cackling laugh - and that’s just Rattle behind the mic - we talk of witches riding dogs over churches, poor choice of pet names and three headed cats. Warning: contains criticism of Monty Python’s historical accuracy. 2021-02-2244 minHiggledy Piggledy History HotchpodS2 E3 Rodrigo Borgia (Pope Alexander VI)Best pope since Saint Peter or the Renaissance Berlusconi?
In 1492 Rodrigo Borgia became Pope Alexander VI after a long and successful career as a cardinal and papal vice-chancellor under five Popes. We chat with Dr Katharine Fellows, expert on the renaissance papacy and co-creator of Charting the Commentaries, who elucidates the life of the intelligent, pragmatic, and charismatic man who remains one of the most controversial of Christ's vicars. Warning: passing your illegitimate children off as your nieces and nephews may not convince everyone.2021-02-1541 minHiggledy Piggledy History HotchpodS2 E2 The Mystery of the Mary CelesteHistory’s most famous ghost ship or a whole load of methylated spirits?
In 1872, the US merchant vessel Mary Celeste was found adrift off the Azores with no one onboard. The fate of the crew remains unknown, but theories abound. Come aboard the world’s most lethal transatlantic booze cruise and meet the comically named Benjamin Spooner Briggs, Frederick Solly-Flood, J. Habakuk Jephson and Abel Fosdyk as we recount the events and attempt to get to the bottom of this maritime mystery. Warning: contains irrelevant poultry.2021-02-0842 minHiggledy Piggledy History HotchpodS2 E1 The Battle of Stamford BridgeHome win for the English or away win for the absent French?
We’re back with a bang, kicking off a new season with a look at the lesser known, but still crucial, major battle of 1066: King Harold vs King Harald. Tune in for tales of sibling rivalry, a gentleman stabbed in a very sensitive area, Duty Free shopping in Shetland and Orkney, and the earl who missed his hamburgers, all featuring in this sizzling season opener. Warning: contains extraordinary tapestry related argument.2021-02-0143 min
Higgledy Piggledy History HotchpodS1 Christmas bonus episode!Please enjoy this special and slightly different edition of our podcast offered in thanks and gratitute to all who have supported us.
Acutely aware that the world is a difficult place for a lot of people this Christmas, we hope everyone has the best time given the circumstances and when we hopefully return next year it will be to happier days for all. In the meantime, enjoy this final installment of 2020, have fun, stay safe, and do get in touch with any comments or suggestions.
Love Rattle And Darth
xxx2020-12-2444 min
Higgledy Piggledy History HotchpodS1 E10 The Christmas Truce of 1914Why oh why couldn't they just figure the whole thing out with a game of football?
After several months of hard fighting, at the first Christmas of the First World War a brief truce broke out in the trenches. Fraternize with Fritz in the freezing cold and learn about the original Tom and Jerry joining together in harmony with no sign of frying pans or bulldogs. Warning: anti-Brexit rant will not be to everyone’s taste.2020-12-2133 min
Higgledy Piggledy History HotchpodS1 E9 The Mutiny on the BountyRighteous removal of a naval tyrant or brave attempt to establish Pitcairn package holidays?
Join us as we travel across the globe in search of an obscure fruit, a journey leading to mutiny, murder and death, all the time wondering why they couldn’t have just nipped to Sainsbury's instead. Warning: contains condemnation of leading rap artists’ historical inaccuracies.2020-12-1442 min
Higgledy Piggledy History HotchpodS1 E8 The Viking Raid on LindisfarneSavage slaughter of peaceful men of God or good old-fashioned Scandinavian wealth redistribution?
In 793 Vikings mugged, maimed, and murdered the monks on Northumbria's Holy Island, shocking western Christendom. Joining us to discuss the first Viking attack on a monastery in the British Isles is our debut guest expert, Dr Ben Allport, co-creator of the Viking age, a valuable online resource for students and teachers of Viking history, society, and culture. Warning: wearing frivolous clothing can cause a Viking attack.2020-12-0741 min
Higgledy Piggledy History HotchpodS1 E7 The First Crusade (Part 2): The Princes' CrusadeLads on tour or religious genocide?
With the People’s Crusade over, it’s time for the nobles and knights to have a go at retaking the Holy Land. These Latin lads know what they’re doing (apparently), and will suffer sieges, battles, starvation, and desertion to get to Jerusalem. Move over Holy Goose, it’s the Holy Lance’s time to shine. Warning: there’s self-confidence and then there’s willingly undergoing trial by fire.2020-11-3040 min
Higgledy Piggledy History HotchpodS1 E6 The First Crusade (Part 1): The People's CrusadeLads on tour or religious genocide?
It’s 1095 and the pope has called upon western Europe to recover Jerusalem from Islamic rule. As the knights prepare for this epic mission, Peter the Hermit and thousands of commonfolk can’t wait and set off for the Holy Land wholly unprepared for what’s ahead. But with God’s Holy Goose on their side, what could go wrong? Warning: donkey blood is not for drinking.2020-11-2327 min
Higgledy Piggledy History HotchpodS1 E5 The First Triumvirate of RomeThree-headed monster devouring the republic or The Three Stooges in togas?
The History Hotchpod goes back to a land 'Before Christ' by taking a dip in the murky waters of Ancient Rome. Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus struggle for mastery of the Eternal City and its empire (Roman, not Galactic) all while trying to keep the plebs happy. Warning: features a severed bodily part starring in a Parthian production of amateur dramatics.2020-11-0940 min
Higgledy Piggledy History HotchpodS1 E4 The Gunpowder PlotEarly terrorists or the last honest men to enter Parliament?
Remember, remember the Fifth of November, gunpowder, treason, and farce. Listen in disbelief as a dozen Catholics conspire to blow up England’s political establishment, while simultaneously competing with the Westminster Palace ‘security’ forces for the coveted ‘Dumbest Plot Participant Award 1605’. Warning: spreading gunpowder out to dry in front of an open fire can be dangerous.2020-11-0241 min
Higgledy Piggledy History HotchpodS1 E3 The AlamoTurning point for Texas or just Hollywood Horsefeathers?
After angering the French for a couple of episodes we head across the pond and into the fray of the Alamo, an emotive battle in the history of Texas, Mexico, and the United States. We do our best not to upset all these parties as we discuss the reality of the battle and how it differs from Hollywood’s epic depiction. Warning: John Wayne doesn’t come out of this well at all.2020-10-2630 min
Higgledy Piggledy History HotchpodS1 E2 The Battle of AgincourtShakespeare's happy few or brazen butchery in a bog?
Once more unto the anti-French bias, dear friends, once more! This episode looks at King Henry V's great victory at Agincourt, later immortalized by The Bard, and tries to separate historical fact from literary fiction. Warning: indulgent attempt at Branagh-esque St Crispin's Day speech ahead.
2020-10-1933 min
Higgledy Piggledy History HotchpodS1 E1 The Mysterious Death of King William RufusTragic hunting accident or justified regicide of a flaming Frenchie?
Beginning with an unintended but mostly welcome anti-French bias, we look at the death of King William II of England in the New Forest and its consequences, while examining the possible theories, some more plausible than others, as to what happened. Warning: contains talk of fertility Gods and other absolute bobbins.
2020-09-3029 min